AIF’s New England Chapter celebrated yet again another successful annual gala at the elegant Renaissance Waterfront Hotel in Boston raising $850,00 for its programs in India. The Celebration of Philanthropy drew around 400 supporters for an evening of giving, fine dining and entertainment, in strong support for AIF’s mission of catalyzing social and economic change in India. Gala Chairs Vikram and Kunjan Mahidhar and Kim and Asha Shah spearheaded this successful fundraising effort with the theme of ‘Connect’.

The highlights of the evening was Darshan Agrahara Thippeswamy, an ABLE beneficiary who using sign language shared his story of In his current capacity as an IT trainer, he trains deaf individuals in computer skills.  Besides this, he handles MIS database for AIF, facilitates disability sensitization workshops, teaches sign language to Corporates and is creating a vocabulary of signs by building picture dictionaries for his trainees.

Nishant Pandey, the newly appointed CEO also shared a few thoughts on his vision for AIF. An exciting element to the evening was the sharing of the leadership trip to India by two AIF supporters – Priti and Farida. While Priti talked about how the trip gave her a perspective on how the money is spent in India programs, Farida Kathawalla in a passionate speech spoke  about the launch of the Circle of Hope in New England spearheaded by her and Nirmala Garimella. “This is what inspired me to take a trip to see the program and witness in person the empowerment of the women” she said. The Circle of Hope is a philanthrophy forum founded by women, of women members and for serving marginalized women. A pilot  is launched in New England this year by raising money through a membership model.

Raj Sharma, AIF Board of Directors and Trustee conducted a very successful pledge drive and applauded the donors for their generosity and their deep commitment to India. The gala pledge drive saw historic gains and the proceeds from the pledge drive will to go  to AIF’s mosaic of programs in India

Another highlight was the food catered by Rooh, a San Franscisco based company that introduced its cuisine to the Boston audience for the first time.There was also an online art auction introduced by Santhana Krishan for the first time where people could bid for art pieces.  Guests who were top philanthropists and supporters committed to India enjoyed an exceptional evening featuring entertainment by Avanti Nagral and Rajiv Satyal who regaled the audience with spectacular music and great comedy.

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